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December 26, 2014

Holiday Movies That Aren't Obviously Holiday Movies

I'm still basking in the joy and merriment of the holiday season! I still can't get enough -- I'm riding this train all the way into January, mark my words.

I had the most peaceful, lovely Christmas, parking it on my sofa watching reruns, napping, eating crap and taking relaxation to new levels. I rediscovered some holiday movies as well and thought I would share this list I made as a result, in lieu of the usual "What's Up, Friday?" listicle.

1.Die Hard. We've debated this before. Some say holiday movie, some say not. All I know is that John McClane will stop at nothing to save his wife when she and several others are taken hostage by German terrorist Hans Gruber during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza. Christmas indeed, mother-effers.

2.While You Were Sleeping. Nothing wrong with a little predictable rom-com this time of year, right? C'mon, how much do you love Sandra Bullock? Don't fight it. She's adorable. Fun fact: Before Bullock got the part, Demi Moore, Julia Roberts, Jami Gertz and Geena Davis were all considered or offered her part.

3.Auntie Mame. Well, and maybe Mame, too. The first was made in 1958. It's a wonderful movie starring Rosalind Russell that should have been a musical and wasn't. The latter was made in 1974 starring Lucille Ball, was a music and should absolutely not have been. Lucille Ball, for all her amazing comedic gifts, was not at all a singer. But one of the most famous songs from the soundtrack is "We Need a Little Christmas" and I crave it every year. Here is Angela Lansbury singing it at a 2003 concert -- she originated the role on Broadway in 1966.

4. Steel Magnolias. I mean, there are totally scenes in this movie that happen during the Christmas season. Remember when Daryl Hannah decorates Dolly Parton's front porch? And that slutty girl in the Santa dress at Sally Fields' Christmas party? Don't challenge me - I know this movie by heart.

5. You've Got Mail/Sleepless in Seattle/When Harry Met Sally. Did you know Meg Ryan is actually the QUEEN of Christmas movies?! Okay, to be fair, these are not movies about Christmas but they all contain major plot points that involve the holiday and there you are. (And I guess by that logic Tom Hanks and Bill Pullman are kind of tied as, like, the Princes of Christmas movies.)

6. Oh yeah, don't think I wasn't getting some Star Trek up in this biz-natch. Enter Star Trek Generations because believe it or not, it's super-duper Christmasy, you guys. The entire movie is about the spirit of life, making the most of the present, passing things onto the next generation, and WHOOPI GOLDBERG. I mean, if that doesn't SCREAM Christmas, I don't know what does.

People post this on my Facebook wall every year as if they were the ones to discover it. Don't get me wrong - I love it and can watch it always - but I remain amused every time someone writes "OMG HOW HAVE YOU NOT SEEN THIS?!" If you need a little context, you should know one of Captain Picard's catch-phrases is "make it so."